Annual maintenance tasks for your home

by Terese Ferrara DRE#01949191 07/07/2024

Your home goes through a fair amount of wear and tear throughout the year, which can result in needing to repair or replace certain elements. However, performing annual maintenance tasks can help your home stay in excellent condition year after year.

Here are a few tasks to complete throughout your year to keep your home fresh and rejuvenated:

Drain the water heater

A buildup of sediment in your water heater can shorten its lifespan. Draining your water heater each year helps eliminate sediment, so it doesn't accumulate over the years. Doing this on an annual basis can help your water heater last longer before needing to be replaced. This maintenance task also helps ensure your water heater works properly, so your home always has plenty of hot water.

Check for termites

Termites are among the biggest causes of serious property damage. Checking for signs of a termite infestation once a year is important, so you can get pest control treatment started right away. Signs you have a termite problem include seeing mud tubes connected to your home's exterior, having areas of weakened wood and tiny holes in drywall.

Clean the dryer exhaust

Your dryer exhaust can get clogged with lint over time, which can be a fire hazard. Lint buildup can also make it harder for your dryer to work efficiently. Check and clean your dryer exhaust once a year to remove lint buildup and keep your dryer running smoothly.

Schedule professional HVAC maintenance

Your HVAC system experiences considerable wear and tear, especially during winter and summer. An annual HVAC maintenance visit can go a long way toward helping your HVAC system last longer and run properly over the years. These visits include having HVAC equipment inspected and cleaned, so your heating and cooling systems run efficiently.

Clean and oil garage door components

Your garage door springs, rollers and hinges should be oiled or lubricated once a year. You should also clean the garage door tracks on an annual basis to remove debris. These tasks help ensure your garage door opens and closes as quietly, safely and smoothly as possible.

About the Author
Author

Terese Ferrara DRE#01949191

Terese Ferrara is a long-time resident of the Bay Area and has been a partner with The Goss Real Estate Group for many years. She and her husband raised their two daughters in San Jose, where she successfully continues to build her real estate career. 

After earning a bachelor’s degree from San Jose State University, she went on to teach in the San Jose Unified School District for 9 years. Transitioning to real estate was a logical choice, utilizing her patient demeanor to educate all levels of buyers and sellers. Knowledge and experience demonstrate her vested interest in delivering the highest level of care and professionalism to every client. She consistently strives to exceed her client’s expectations throughout the entire real estate transaction and remains a trusted advisor long after each close. 

As a board member on KW Bay Area Estates’ Associate Leadership Council (ALC), she aids in support of culture and professional development strategies for over 180 associates. Terese is also a Director for the Santa Clara County Association of Realtors Foundation, which supports community service initiatives in Silicon Valley. 

Terese is the consummate real estate professional dedicated to providing unparalleled service to her clients through ongoing training and education, keeping her on top of the dynamic market and latest real estate trends. Her high-touch approach coupled with honesty and integrity support her commitment to her client’s real estate needs.